Chapter 4: 4

Chapter 4 part 1

 

After repeating the same thing, she bought her a tailcoat, a suit, a uniform and a tassel. Of course, it was pants not a skirt anymore. Since it was gold, the robe was decorated with a golden belt, agate and onyx which was uncomfortable, but she decided to put up with it. She also appreciated the effort of the head maid who brought her clothes that fitted her perfectly without even having measuring her once.

 

‘Then what else should I do? It was always like this.’

 

Rubiana took a sip of the wine in her hand and sighed. There were dozens of young nobles gathered to show-off their jewelries and gold bracelets. They were laughing loudly. Rubiana wasn’t in the mood to join them so she was just lazily sitting in a corner.

 

The diamond-studded pocket watch the head maid had given her never got a chance to come out of her pocket.

 

‘She said that I can take it out to show off when I talk to other people, since it was the latest trend.’

 

However, it seemed like the head maid’s meticulous efforts would be in vain today. The banquet today was attended by many unmarried young ladies and gentlemen who admired the reputation of the Marchioness Rivadur, boasting their knowledge and opinions about the situation of the Empire… wasn’t the important thing. It was a party where they were rushing to try dating freely before marrying.

 

Mentioned earlier was the original purpose of this noble banquet, but that quickly changed.

 

When young men and women gather, how can they only share their knowledge in a healthy way? They would exchange secret glances, then share their hearts and body. They can barely maintain their nobleness and their reputation because of Marchionness Rivadur’s fame. The head maid had no doubts that this gathering was perfect fit for Rubiana’s purpose.

 

Because of this, the head maid sent a reply that Rubiana would participate without her knowledge, who was invited to attend. As usual, it was too late when Rubiana knew it. What can she do since she can’t bring back the reply that must’ve arrived there? Rubiana wore the golden tailcoat and attended the banquet, instead of scolding the head maid that resembled her maternal grandmother. Then she leaned on the wall while sipping on her wine.

 

It was really fortunate that the head maid doesn’t know how she was behaving now in the banquet hall.

 

‘It would be strange because at this point, countless young gentlemen seeking for titles and money would come near you.’

 

‘What, do you expect me to keep such good-for-nothings?’

 

‘For a Duke like you, you should choose someone who is decent and one with a strong lower back. Wouldn’t you be tired if you chose someone who is smart and ambitious for nothing? I also think that’s what you’re thinking now.’

 

‘…… That’s true.’

 

‘Considering the future generations, I would like to recommend for you not to choose someone who is empty-headed.’

 

(T/N: Italicized texts inside the ‘’ means something that was spoken in the past.)

 

The head maid’s face that was smiling kindly, was just like her grandmother while saying those things.

 

‘Ruby, my child. You should try to get a good husband later on, who is moderately stupid, good-looking and has a strong lower back.’

 

‘Why?’

 

‘Why? Because in the future you will succeed your father as Count Luxen. You shouldn’t even look at someone who is likely to overstep your authority.’

 

‘Uh huh- Then, I can get a smart and handsome husband, right?’

 

‘A man who is smart and even handsome? Such a man is rare. As soon as there is someone like that, there would be rumors and the capital would take away the power from that family.’

 

‘The order won’t come back to me.’

 

‘I’m sorry, but that’s the reality. The order starts from the prince and the princess first, so you should try to make the best choice with the ones that was remaining.’

 

‘Ahh, I don’t like it.’

 

‘What can you do? A man like that in the world is so rare. You should also learn how to give up because in that way, you don’t make any foolish decisions because of your greed.’

 

‘I think that what you said is the right thing after listening to you, grandmother.’

 

‘Of course. Aww, my baby. You understand me because you look like me. Ruby, you are the most beautiful gem in my life. You must remember grandma’s words: choose a husband that will not dare challenge your authority, and one who will not harm your reputation and property.’

 

‘Yes ~ ’

 

‘But, don’t compromise on the face. A man’s face is very important even during the day and on a bed with the lights off.’

 

(T/N: Hahahaha why am I laughing? Lmao )

 

Her grandmother always spoke seriously. When her parents would find it out, they would always hear the same thing.

 

‘Mother, what are you saying to a child who is only five years old!’

 

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‘I was teaching her the truth of life.’

 

‘Mother!’

 

Her grandmother’s education continued until her death. Thanks to this, Rubiana had a firm ideal man for a husband: moderately stupid but good-looking, and has a strong lower back.

 

She became a Duke all thanks to her younger sister, but she doesn’t have any desire to get a man who is both smart and handsome.

 

‘The civil war and successive wars of conquest must’ve killed a lot of good men, so I shouldn’t waste my time looking for something that’s rare, but compromising with the reality in moderation. I just need to have two children.’

 

Of course, the ‘rare thing’ already belonged to her younger sister like Cadric, Duke Feltharg or Rudante, Duke Dominent. Though Rudante was a bit annoying as he is a bit ignorant for a subject and runs wildly.

 

Rubiana searched for a husband in simple way. All he had to do was to be handsome and have a strong lower back. However, no matter how many social gatherings or banquets she attended, she couldn’t find a suitable man at all. Indeed, did the civil war and subsequent wars of conquest killed that many decent men? Aside from being good-looking and shy, it was difficult to find a man that can approach and talk to her.

Chapter 4 part 2

 

Her surrounding were always gloomy no matter what kind of banquets she attended. No one tried to come close to her. Men in these parties without the qualities she was looking for could not possibly have strong lower back. Some of them were gathered together and bragged, making a loud noise, while glancing at Rubiana.

 

According to what they said, they had the urge to run to Rubiana and asked her for a dance. She thought that other people would have the courage to approach her more comfortably if there would only be at least one person to do that.

How can she show an act of charity if they were like that? Those dorks were busy running away whenever their eyes met by chance. Not a single one of them was left out; others were even screaming and hiccupping.

Following that was the usual rumor she heard everytime.

[Blood-hungry Duke. Brutal killer. A northern Duke without any blood or tears. The King of demonic beats who controls the beasts and persecutes the poor northerners.]

All of them were incomprehensible names.

‘What did they say?’

Blood-hungry peacock?

Why, because she killed all the tyrant’s servants in the Battle of Dawn? But that would also be the case with Duke Feltharg, Cadric and Duke Dominent, Rudante as well. Rather, they didn’t think that they were the crazier dogs than her.

‘I was very polite as I killed him with a single stab of my sword so he won’t fell pain.’

She had never killed anyone for no reason at all. What else they call her: cruel murderer, a northern Duke with no blood and tears, the king of demonic beasts and one who persecutes the poor northerners? Because she killed all the enemies in the north? Because she raided the cities on the north that was built by the criminals and turn them into very docile soldiers?

Thanks to that, the empire was safe from the attack of the demons. By replenishing their own supplies and troops, there was no need to burden the treasury of the Empire. The empire can be so peaceful because it has treaded so well in the north.

‘It’s something to be thankful for, but not something to be afraid of, isn’t it?’

It was unfortunate. However, she did not bother to summon the people who ran away and explain that the rumors were false. That was too cumbersome. They wove it into words as if they were the ones framed, so why bother with explanations.

‘Think as you please,’ is what she was saying in her head.

Break! The glass she was holding on her hand crumbled. It wasn’t because she felt it was unfair that she suddenly clenched her hands – no, never.

‘Is the Marquis’ finances very difficult? Why are they using poor utensils? What if someone else gets hurt?’

Tsk, tsk, she clicked her tongue and shook her head.

“Kyaah, are you okay?”

“E-excuse me. Please get some medicine and bandages.”

The maids standing around came running.

“Oh sorry. And I don’t need medicine.”

Apologizing to the helpless maids, she took a dry cloth and wiped her hands. Glass shard fell to the floor but there wasn’t any drop of blood on her hand. A thin glass couldn’t even make a scratch on her callused hand.

“As expected, a blood-hun(gry Duke)… heup.”

“……I-I’m glad you weren’t hurt.”

The maids looked up at Rubiana with respect and fear, while the noble young ladies who were standing near her flinched in surprise and took a step back a little further. For an unknown reason, they heard a shrill shout from nearby.

“As expected, Duke Ashillean!”

“How come you’re the same girl as me!”

“If I could hold you in my arms even once, how wonderful it would be… … ?”

The young ladies were looking at her with hot gazes. It was familiar. She left it alone because she don’t think that would hinder much with her marriage.

‘……?’

She suddenly felt an unfamiliar gaze. Urgency, despair, scorching – Rubiana’s most disliked three words were all in her sultry eyes. It was from someone who was hiding behind a pillar not far away.

‘Is this the same ‘The young lady who was engaged to me fell in love with you, and that was hurting me’ thing again?’

 

Rubiana didn’t really care. Usually that’s how it went. They just gossip so you can hear everything from behind. There has never been a single man who had the courage to stand up in front of Rubiana and ask her for a duel.

‘Today was also a failure.’

Rubiana let out a small sigh and went to the Marchioness Rivadur.

“Thank you for inviting me to this precious event. My clothes are wet, so I guess I’ll have to go home first.”

Rubiana raised her wet sleeves. That was a trivial excuse. The Marchioness Rivadur read the boredom on Rubiana’s face.

“Please come next time.”

 

The Marchioness Rivadur was a wise woman. She didn’t held Rubiana anymore, but she was regretting that Rubiana went home early instead.

“Your word alone is an honor.”

“It isn’t some talks. My little banquet has grown so much since the Duke attended.”

“You don’t have to say that on purpose to save my face. Your fame is known as far as the north. What kind of noble doesn’t know that this banquet was solely maintained thanks to your reputation?”

Rubiana smiled and kissed the back of Marchioness Rivadur’s hand. Oh my, Marchioness Rivadur’s cheeks turned red.

“You seem to think my words are a light greeting. Well, alright. You are in a position to be arrogant.”

The Marchioness said with a smile. Rubiana thought the she was pretty sweet. How welcoming of her to always come and welcome someone who was always leaning on the wall and leaves like this.

Although her original goal of finding a husband is seldom fulfilled, it was an unexpected result that she gained a good relationship with the Marchioness Rivadur, who exerts a strong influence in the social world.

Perhaps, this elegant lady can introduce me to a real groom?

Somehow, all her thoughts ended up finding a husband. Rubiana just shrugged her shoulders.

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